Wednesday, April 30, 2008

Neighbors greet plans for DeKalb's Executive Park

Developers plan to transform Executive Park, metro Atlanta's first suburban office park, into a live-work-play community that includes a 12-story office tower, a hotel and several multi-family units with ground level retail clustered around a small park.

The project, known as The Park at Druid Hills, is planned at the highly congested intersection of North Druid Hills and Briarcliff roads in north-central DeKalb County. It's also near a proposed mixed-use development from the Sembler Co. that has drawn heated opposition from neighbors who worry the project would be too dense and generate too much traffic.
But the Executive Park make-over was greeted warmly by most of the residents who gathered Tuesday night to hear the developer's plans. While the traffic impact remains a concern, residents complimented the plan for striving to create an inviting, walkable environment that features new parks, multi-use trails, and significantly less retail space than originally proposed.

"I was very impressed with the attention to keeping the higher density away from the neighborhoods," said Jim Smith, who leads StandUp DeKalb, a community group that formed to oppose the Sembler project. "So far, from what I've seen, I'm impressed."

Some residents remain skeptical. Jonas Werzberger said he worries the project will create a setting similar to that in the Perimeter Center, the bustling and traffic-choked business district that straddles Sandy Springs and Dunwoody.

Werzberger said he has friends who live in that area "who can't get out of their development. I want to be able to get out of my subdivision."

By PAUL DONSKY
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Published on: 04/30/08

Great Apartment In A Wonderful City






Would you like to live here, I bet you would, then all you have to do is add your name on the list, or should I say, add it to the bottom of the list.

Candler Court is a great apartment house; great neighbors, just steps from wonderful restaurants and shops. The owners are very responsive if issues arise. I wanted to try out city life before buying in the area. I was really sad about leaving. It was a great place to live.
Reviewer: Anonymous

Candler Court Apartments
305 E. Ponce De Leon Ave.
Decatur, GA 30030
770-939-1845

Tuesday, April 29, 2008

Retailers have their eyes on your stimulus check. How will you spend yours?

You may have to wait until May to see your economic stimulus check, but some retailers already have their sights set on how you will spend it.

Both Kroger Co., one of the country's largest grocers, and department store operator Sears Holdings Corp. are already offering discounts and freebies to consumers who turn the rebate checks into gift cards.
Other retailers like Home Depot are launching advertising campaigns to helpfully suggest ways to spend those extra dollars.

Many retailers have yet to announce special promotions and some, like Target Corp., say they aren't planning any. But industry watchers say its likely more companies will announce ad campaigns and special deals as the weeks go by to try to convince shoppers to spend.

"Certainly it does seem like retailers are planning for a battle on where to spend that check," said Chris Donnelly, a partner in the retail practice at consulting group Accenture. "We're going to see a lot of competition from a promotional standpoint among retailers really trying to lay claim to that."

The checks, set to arrive in mailboxes and bank accounts beginning next month, are part of an $168 billion economic stimulus plan passed by Congress. Under the plan, individuals who have filed their tax returns for the year can receive up to $600 and families can get up to $1,200.

The checks are meant to provide a cash cushion for strapped consumers, as well as a cash infusion for retailers struggling to grow sales in a weak economy where shoppers are increasingly cutting back.

Retailers who cater to consumers' needs rather than wants may see the most benefit, said Morningstar analyst Mitchell Corwin.

"It's your grocery bill, it's your electric bill, it's your fuel bill," Corwin said. "Just for everyday type purchases, consumers are facing higher prices today than they ever have."

If consumers use the checks to buy the necessities, that could be great news for Kroger. The company said Wednesday they will offer shoppers free groceries through a gift card program. It works like this: If a customer turns in his $300 tax refund or economic stimulus check for a Kroger gift card, he will receive an additional $30 on the new card. A $600 check would garner another $60 dollars and a $1,200 check would warrant another $120 to spend in groceries.

"Consumers are stretched, we recognize that with the economy," said Kroger Chief Operating Officer Don McGeorge.

Sears, meanwhile, said Tuesday it will offer a 10 percent bonus to anyone who converts their check into a Sears or Kmart gift card.

"I do think you're going to see a lot of retailers that focus on necessities follow suit," National Retail Federation spokesman Scott Krugman said.

It won't be the first time retailers have nudged consumers to spend their economic stimulus checks. In 2001, when consumers received smaller tax rebate checks to stimulate the economy, Krugman said retailers allowed consumers to cash the checks in stores.

By LAUREN SHEPHERD
Associated Press

Why not save it for a rainy day....It's suppose to rain this saturday.

REGION 6-AA TRACK & FIELD MEET: Decatur pulls ahead to win

REGION 6-AA TRACK & FIELD MEET: Decatur pulls ahead to win
Bulldogs lag in field events, then sprint to the crown

By Curtis Bunn
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Published on: 04/29/08

Decatur used a dominant effort in the sprints in the Region 6-AA boys track championships Monday at Greater Atlanta Christian to come from behind and win the championship.

At one point in the afternoon, the Bulldogs were a distant third to front-running GAC and second-place Wesleyan.

But when the speed events came up, Decatur took off. In a span of 75 minutes, the Bulldogs took over first place and ended up earning 102 points to win the crown over second-place Greater Atlanta Christian (84.3) and Wesleyan (72), which was third.

All told, Decatur either won or placed second in eight straight events.

"We knew we could come back in the sprints," said Decatur's Chris Miles, who won the 100-meter championship, the 200-meter title and was on the winning 1,600 relay team.

"We didn't score as we'd like in the field events, but we were very confident about what we could do in sprints. We have a strong team."

Consecutive first-place finishes by Miles in the 100 (11:46) and Chris Sams in the 110-meter hurdles (15.15) got the Bulldogs going in the right direction.

Then Jacob Martin-Rogers took second in the 800 for eight points for Decatur; Wesleyan's Matt Hanlon, who also captured the 1,600 title on Saturday, won his second region title in the 800.

But Decatur continued to come on strong. Miles captured his second region championship medal by taking the 200 in 22.86. The conditions —- a little chilly and windy —- prevented a fast race, but Miles fought through the elements.

"I knew it would be a slower time running into the headwind," Miles said. "But with my technique, I knew I would be all right."

Sams finished second in a tight race in the 300-meter hurdles to give the Bulldogs another title. For good measure, Mac Fidler won a non-sprint event —- the 3,200 in 10:07 —- to give Decatur a phenomenal 56 points in a six-race span (first place gets 10 points, second eight).

Finally, Decatur's 1,600 relay team put a cherry on top of its outstanding day, smoking the field with a 3:30.91 to win still another region championship.

GO DECATUR!

Monday, April 28, 2008

Decatur School of Ballet.. since 1947



Decatur School of Ballet has been in continuous operation since 1947. Over sixty years ago Hilda Gumm and Marie Roberts started the school with a few ballet students in a small room over the ice cream shoppe in Downtown Decatur. In 1958, the school moved into its present location, which was designed by architect Everett Roberts (Marie's husband) to be a dance studio. In 1980 present owners Kathleen and Ron Everett purchased the school where Kathleen had studied since age 6.

Decatur School of Ballet, the oldest classical ballet school in DeKalb County, offers classes for children and adults in classical ballet, jazz, tap, creative movement, ballroom, and modern dance. Headquarters in Downtown Decatur feature spacious studios with suspended wood flooring. The school is structured on a nine-month curriculum (September through May) and offers special summer programs. Careful attention is given to placing each dancer in appropriate classes based on age, technical level and ability. Individual evaluations are done on each student. Providing quality dance instruction by professionals in a friendly atmosphere is the foundation of our school.

Decatur School of Ballet serves the needs of students who wish to dance "just for fun" and those who aim toward becoming professional dancers and teachers. Our school welcomes people from varying racial, cultural and economic backgrounds. Although we are in the business of teaching dance, the development of each student as an individual is at the core of our endeavors. Experience in and knowledge of the arts help us express our individual creative and cultural human potential.

For Further Information Call or Write:
Decatur School of Ballet
102 Church Street
Decatur, Georgia 30030

Tel: 404/378-3388
FAX 404/378-3679
www.decatur-ballet.com

Sunday, April 27, 2008

No one has lived on Decatur's Square since the 1930's...




Decatur House will be located on the historic square in downtown Decatur, Ga. The building takes it name from the residence of the legendary naval commander Commodore Stephen Decatur which is located next to The White House in Washington, DC .

Decatur House is the pinnacle of in-town living developments in Atlanta. With only 4 units and floor plans, we have created not just a building for residents to live in, but a small neighborhood on the square in Decatur.

Decatur House residents will enjoy unmatched views of downtown Decatur to the north and Agnes Scott campus to the south. Large balconies at each residential unit allow residents to connect with the dynamic downtown street life. Imagine walking out your front door and on to the Decatur Square... we invite you to be a part of it. Please feel free to contact our sales office for an exclusive presentation.

To be built on the old Decatur Theatre site.
What a great place to live.
When this is completed it will make this location (N. McDonough St.) look so much more hometown.
I'm sure they will do something about the parking in front, now it's a oval circle that parks about 20 to 40 cars.
What would look nice is to do away with the parking the way it is now, and with the plans to build a larger sidewalk with benches along all the store fronts with a few trees will look very nice.

Click on pictures for a better view.

Decatur House
http://www.decaturhousega.com/

Looking back at Decatur High School circa 1965


Decatur High's Varsity cheerleaders
and Duke The barking mascot.
also a good look at The North building.

photo from 1966 indecatur.

Nathalie's Fish House



Elegance meets casual whether you dine out on Paris inspired cafĂ© tables or inside the Key West flavored interior. You won’t have to hire a boat to partake the island taste of Nathalie’s exquisite seafood. You will want to come here again and again.

picture of Nathalie receiving takeout orderConvenient to all of Atlanta’s in-town attractions and not far from neighborhood surrounds, Nathalie’s eclectic menu invites you to delight in dishes both basic and haute.

You will find Nathalie’s Fish House on historic West Ponce de Leon Ave. in the heart of upbeat Decatur … where a girl who summered indulging the culinary joys of the Brittany coast found a home for her kitchen.

Saturday, April 26, 2008

Sims Radiator in Decatur. circa 1961



Sims Radiator is a part of Metro Atlanta's history. Clay Sims Sr., started in Decatur back in 1949 after coming back home from WWII. He rented a shop from Hoolie Wilburn across the street from Decatur High School and his brother, W.L., joined him soon after. They had been in business for 12 years when this photo was taken.

Friday, April 25, 2008

Carpe Diem Cafe & Bistro



Carpe Diem Bistro
105 Sycamore Pl
Decatur, GA 30030
Phone: (404) 687-9696

Buy a Kid a Book !


Let's put more books in the homes of more Decatur children in 2008.


DBA
Decatur Business Association

Decatur Business Association 2008 membership directory

Thursday, April 24, 2008

1965 photo of Decatur looking towards N. McDonough St.


Photo taken from the steps of The Old Court House.
Looking towards N. McDonough St.
You can see The Decatur Theatre on the left side
and on the right you can see the stores that were torn down,
Scott's Pharmacy is one of those buildings .

Photo is circa 1965.
From the 1966 Indecatur.

Wednesday, April 23, 2008

Visit The Decatur Art Festival May 24th-25th Downtown Decatur



At the end of the video are pictures of downtown Decatur.


visit corey Barksdale - booth # 82
Downtown Decatur.

video produced by
Corey Barksdale

coreybarksdale.com

Tuesday, April 22, 2008

Decatur Business Association events for May 2008- Blue Sky Concerts on the Square.


DBA Events
Blue Sky Concerts 2008
Wednesdays in May • Noon-1 p.m.
Brought to you by Decatur Business Association and SunTrust Bank.

Enjoy a mid-week lunchtime music break at the Community Bandstand on the square in downtown Decatur. Free. Bring your lunch or purchase a special to-go lunch from a nearby restaurant and enjoy live performances from a variety of artists.

May 7
Mike Killeen, Singer/songwriter
Sponsor: Little Shop of Stories, Junior League, Sharian

May 14
Amy Loftus, Country
Sponsor: Tangela Barrie, Sharian, Junior League

May 21
Julie Austin, Children's songwriter
Sponsor: TBA

May 28
Redaction, Indie/pop
Sponsor: Decatur Paper

Concerts on the Square 2008
Every Saturday night in May • 7-9:30 p.m.
Community Bandstand on the square in downtown Decatur

Pack your picnic, bring your quilts and blankets and enjoy an evening of musical entertainment. Brought to you by Decatur Business Association and Wachovia Bank of Georgia.

May 3
High Cotton, Eclectic Americana
Sponsor: Art Institute of Atlanta-Decatur

May 10
Jackson County Line, Country
Sponsor: Art Institute of Atlanta-Decatur

May 17
Ralph Roddenbery, Rock
Sponsor: Art Institute of Atlanta-Decatur

May 24
Baatin & Top Secret, Rock, soul, blues
Sponsor: Art Institute of Atlanta-Decatur, Tangela Barrie

May 31
Lindsay Rakers Band, Indie Rock
Sponsor: Sponsor: Art Institute of Atlanta-Decatur and Tangela Barrie

The DBA sponsors and supports a full calendar of events, including the Decatur Beach Party, the association's annual fund-raiser. Other events include Concerts on the Square; Blue Sky Concerts; Easter Egg Hunt; July 4 Pied Piper Parade, Concert and Fireworks; and Breakfast with Santa. Volunteers are always needed for these festivals and events.

Did you know that in the 1960's they use to have Soapbox Derby racing on N. McDonough St.







The Soapbox Derby starting line was up close to E.Trinty and the cars would race down past Decatur High.
I remember Governor Lester Maddox was there riding his bicycle backwards for the big crowd that was there .
These pictures here are from other Soapbox Derby races, just so you could picture the way it might have been.
If anyone has photos of this event that took place in the 1960's please send me a copy of the picture or pictures and I will post it here on Next Stop...Decatur.

Min Lwin Ye, Burmese painter exhibit and benefit for IRC at Mingei World Arts Sunday April 27


Min Lwin Ye, Burmese painter exhibit and benefit for IRC
[MinLwin Ye]

Sunday, April 27, 2008
1:00 PM - 4:00 PM

Mingei World Arts
427 Church Street
Decatur, Georgia 30030
33.7749, -84.2947
Category
Performing/Visual Arts
Description
Min Lwin Ye, Burmese painter, opens an exhibition and sale of his paintings at Mingei.

This talented young painter arrived in Atlanta in July, 2007 as a refugee and was resettled by International Rescue Committee's Atlanta office.

10% of all sales of regular store merchandise Sunday will go to IRC
in honor of the organization's 75 years of humanitarian work around the world. Direct donations will also be accepted.

International Rescue Committee Atlanta is helping refugees to rebuild their lives in metro Atlanta by providing comprehensive resettlement services, such as assistance with initial housing, case management, community orientation, and employment services. Since opening in 1979, IRC-Atlanta has resettled nearly 17,000 refugees from over 30 different countries, helping them to live in freedom and become self-reliant once again.

For more information on the IRC, please visit http://www.theirc.org/.

Free.

Is the Krog Street Tunnel an Eyesore or Art ?







After hearing about this place I had to go visit to get a picture of Robert Mitchum
you know, the guy who played in the cult classic movie "Thunder Road". It's only about 4 miles from Decatur High School on Dekalb Ave.
Now I know this tunnel is called the Krog Street Tunnel, but for me, after my vist,
I will now call this "The Thunder Road Tunnel".
Trying to photograph this place your need to watch out for joggers and bicycles, I almost got hit by a guy on a bike.
Read this story about this place.

A story in AJC about the rebirth of DeKalb Avenue contained a rather insulting reference to what I consider to be one of the thoroughfare’s most colorful landmarks.

I’m talking about the Krog Street tunnel.

The story made much ado about how DeKalb Avenue was coming back to life, as evidenced by the influx of the young and affluent to shiny new condos:

It’s a stark contrast to the graffiti-covered train trestle at DeKalb Avenue and Krog Street, just a few hundred feet away. … Such sights once were common along the mostly industrial thoroughfare, which runs parallel to two rail lines. But as condos and apartments go up, slowly the graffiti and other eyesores are disappearing.

Personally, I love the rust and the grit, the imperfections and pure urban-ness of DeKalb Avenue — and the Krog Street tunnel in particular. When I was a teenager exploring the city, such a welcome reprieve from the soulless burbs, it was my favorite stretch of road. I’d hate to see it morph into a replica of the East Cobb homogeny from which I tried to escape.

I’m curious about what you readers think. Krog Street tunnel: eyesore or urban chic?

story by: Mara Shalhoup, Creative Loafing.


If you have a story about this place, please share it.

Is it a eyesore or is it art.

This Blogger thinks it is art.
We need more graffiti artist like the one who did Robert Mitchum.
Hope you enjoy my photos.

Monday, April 21, 2008

Driver's Seat Used Car Lot.




2680 E College Ave, Decatur, GA

before & after photo shop.

Saturday, April 19, 2008

DJH Painting & Pressure Washing. Decatur ,GA



In need of a Painter in Decatur GA? DJH Painting & Pressure Washing has got yo...u covered! Interior Painting, Exterior Painting, Bath Tub Resurfacing are some of the things we do! Give us a call ph:404-587-4666

Nice you-tube on Downtown Decatur




Filmed by:
Craig Callewaert
Moonbeam Graphic Productions

Photos Craig took while out walking his dog in downtown Decatur, Georgia and surrounding areas.

Friday, April 18, 2008

Decatur street scene.


As seen in Decatur.
North Dekalb AMC Theatre.

Go see a movie. !

Why would you buy your mattress anywhere else except in Decatur ?





Why would you buy your mattress anywhere else except in Decatur ?
After all mattress are our business



Mattress King
1745 Church St
Decatur, GA 30033
(404) 299-8500

Thursday, April 17, 2008

Visit Decatur




TurnHere, Inc., produces Internet video for a variety of businesses across the globe including media, real estate, small businesses...

Second Annual Decatur Run with the Dogs





I found this on youtube, It's great, just watch it. Don't wait, watch it now.


The Decatur Bulldog Athletic Booster Club (DBABC) sponsored its 2nd Annual 5K Frostbite Race on January 5. 2008. The event helps support middle and high school athletics in Decatur, GA.

Decatur High School Homecoming Parade


Photo is from 1966 Indecatur showing homecoming parade on N. McDonough St. in front of Decatur High School.

The old Dekalb Locker Plant & Food Store Gone with the Wind.



Decatur's old Dekalb Locker Plant & Food Store building has been torn down.

Vintage Ad from Decatur High Schools 1961 Indecatur

Tuesday, April 15, 2008

THE CANDLER HOTEL - DECATUR, GA.


Vintage postcard of The Candler Hotel.
Located at the corner of E. Ponce de Leon Ave. &
Church St.

Monday, April 14, 2008

WATCH OUT, HERE COME THE COPS


DECATUR POLICE CAR

I liked them when they were all black with white letters with a red light on top.

Now all Police cars look the same just the city name is different.

Sunday, April 13, 2008

CAKES & ALE RESTAURANT-BAR


Here is what Cakes & Ale has to say:

“Cakes & Ale is a new restaurant in Decatur offering a tempting mix of food, drink and casual ambiance. A tribute to some of the best gastronomic things in life, the restaurant name was inspired by a line in Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night. Cakes & Ale diners can expect an eclectic, seasonal menu featuring only the freshest organic ingredients, non-endangered fish and the highest quality meats. For those diners who recognize that fresh, unfussy food must take center stage and be enjoyed in a casual, unpretentious atmosphere; Cakes & Ale should not be missed.”


Cakes & Ale
404-377-7994
254 W. Ponce de Leon Ave.
Decatur, GA 30030

Decatur High School with out the old Auditorium

Saturday, April 12, 2008

The old Decatur High School Auditorium is now only a memory





An inside souce from Decatur High School, tells me they did save the two large concrete DHS letters that were on both sides of the front entrance, and they plan to use them somewhere on the grounds when the new buildings are built.
And also they saved the original Decatur High School emblem from the original basketball court floor and they will put it in the new Auditorium floor.

Friday, April 11, 2008

Decatur Travel Agency



This is another one of my art photos.

Decatur Travel is a full service, leisure travel agency. They are located in downtown Decatur, GA at 308 West Ponce de Leon Ave. Suite E, ZIP code 30030. Telephone number is (404)373 9493, and their in-bound WATS is (800)969-4754. And, yes, they have been in Decatur for the past 25 years.

Thursday, April 10, 2008

Corner of S. McDonough St & W. College Ave.




In the 1960's WINKLER GULF SERVICE station sat on this corner.

This Gulf Station photo was like Winkler's Gulf Service Station. Most of the Gulf Service Stations were built the same.